Water Witch: Does anyone use one?

[Catching Nemo]

I was looking into automatic bilge pumps and it seems the float styles don't work very well or very long. While doing some web surfing, I came across a product called Water Witch. This switch doesn't use any moving parts and is supposedly used by the USCG and the CCG.

"The Water Witch ® 217, 230 or 230-24 submersible electronic bilge pump switch allows boat owners to forever rid themselves of the archaic outdated float switch. Instead of an unreliable and short-lived mechanical float switch, the 230 has no moving parts and requires no adjustments. This eliminates the chance of your battery dying or your pump burning out because of a jammed-on float switch. Temperature, humidity or electrical noise will not effect this switch, nor will it interfere with other electronics. This switch comes with an unprecidented 7 year limed warranty and is in use by both the Canadian and U.S.Coast Guards."

http://www.penguineng.com/images/bilge.jpg



Does anyone use this product or know of a reliable automatic bilge pump?

[codfisher]

Nemo,

I have a 217 installed in my boat. So far all tests have been positive. I was not happy with a Rule automatic with internal float switch. It would stick and not activate the pump when necessary, particularly when tied overnight to a dock.

[Catching Nemo]

codfisher,

The switch will be installed in an aluminum boat. Do you think there will be any problems with stray voltage, coming from this switch, and/or contact with the hull causing electrolysis?

Thanks

[codfisher]

Nemo, I doubt there will be any problems with electrolysis. The back side of the switch is all plastic. The metal discs (water sensors) are only on the front side of the switch, no contact with the boat. Constant monitor mode is in the miliamp range I believe. I figured that if it was good enough for USCG, it was good enough for me. My boat is plastic so I did not have the same concern as you.

I talked with factory about the switch before I bought mine. I was most concerned about reliability. They stand behind their product. The tech I spoke with sold me that the product worked and could be trusted.

I bought mine at Englund in Newport.

codfisher

[Catching Nemo]

Thanks again! I'm picking one up today.

:cheers:

[troybuz]

10 Plus years ago I added one to my Jet Ski. It worked flawlessly, took the abuse that a personal water craft inflicts, and also encountered plenty of oil and grime on the sensors, without any problems. I'd say it's worth a try.